by Ranti Joseph

Heavy fighting broke out on Saturday in Monguno, Borno State. The state has been under Boko Haram control since August last year.

In a related development, the terrorists have attacked a military base in Gombe, in a renewed offensive to capture the Gombe State capital.

Military sources say the fighting is on-going simultaneously on both fronts. “The fighting is going on at the same time; federal troops have advanced on Monguno, to flush out the insurgents but the terrorists have attacked a military base in Gombe. We are dealing with the situations,” a source said.

It was reported that in Gombe, the insurgents launched an early morning attack on Hina and Dadin Kowa in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of the state but were repelled by the military. They subsequently attacked the nearby Zambuk, but were again repelled.

A fierce battle ensured between the terrorists and men of the Nigerian Army at the 301 Artillery Regiment, Gombe according to a resident. “Residents of the town are trembling as they remain indoors, praying hard for divine intervention in the matter.”

He added that gunshots were heard all over the town as security agents were working hard to restore normalcy.

It has been reported that troops had successfully repelled the invaders from the town in Gombe. Air Force helicopters are said to have pounded and successfully dislodged the Boko Haram fighters from Monguno.

Janeth J